When you are planning to have a pool installed in your backyard, you need to take some time out to research the various designs out there. You can get as creative as you want when designing your pool. But don’t forget to ask yourself what design best fits your space without compromising on the affordability aspect. Before taking a call, explore the different pool designs and choose the one that can cost-effectively create the appeal you want.
Key Takeaways
- Start with purpose + budget first—these two decisions guide everything: pool type, size, positioning, and finishes.
- Site conditions (slope, access, soil, water table) are major cost drivers, and can make above-ground options more suitable on tricky blocks.
- Budget-friendly design wins come from smart layout choices: compact plunge pools, slim lap pools, simple straight lines, and clean landscaping.
- Style doesn’t need to be expensive—lighting, greenery, seating zones, and simple materials can transform the pool area without blowing the budget.
Planning is the first step
Why do you need a pool?
Start at the very beginning just as you would for any big renovation project by examining your reasons behind investing in a swimming pool. This will influence the design aspects including depth, size, shape, and the type of construction considerably.
Think about what purpose the pool will serve – relaxing, laps or recreation? Who will use the pool – your children/child and their friends, you or everyone in the family? Is the pool meant to be the focal point for your backyard landscape or is it going to enhance a view?
What is your budget?
Once you have a clear idea of your pool’s purpose, it becomes easier to sort out the rest of your decisions. Before progressing further, ensure you ask yourself the vital question – what is your budget for the pool?
The cost of swimming pool can range between $5,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the size and type of pool. While inground pools cost $35,000 onwards, above ground pools have a starting price of $7,000. Plunge pools can have an average cost of $8,000. The average amount that most homeowners spend on backyard pool installation is about $50,000.
In-ground or above-ground
The first factor is your backyard. Do you have a level surface in your yard? If so, you are lucky. You can either choose to have an above-ground pool or an in-ground one. If your yard, on the other hand is sloping, has an uneven or rocky surface, an above-ground pool would make the best choice. A fibreglass above-ground pool is ideal for hillside or sloping properties. It is strong, durable, and can sit on any surface without throwing any challenges at you.
Is the site on a sloping land?
If your home is located on a hill or a sloping land or an uneven, rocky surface, the cost of installing a pool can be higher. If the site is level and even, it is easier and cheaper to build a pool. You will also have to look at ground conditions that can include unstable soil, high water table or sandy soil that can make the pool building process a bit tricky. In these cases, it is better to opt for above-ground pools.
Your property’s size and location will determine the design, shape and size of the pool. Urban sites have stringent requirements in terms of positioning of the pool near your property boundaries. Factors such as neighbouring trees or shadings from buildings can limit your options of positioning your pool. Onto the final stages of preparation before you can really get stuck into your backyard design ideas.
Your local council can give you more information on approval requirements while you can find safety regulations on your building authority website.
Before you determine the pool type, check if there are pipes or cables running below the pool area.
Pool positioning
The next thing is pool positioning. Most people love to have their pool installed at the center of their backyard. While some would prefer to have it close to their home, several others like to have the pool parallel to their building, at a distance.
Pool design and positioning depends upon your home architecture too. Ensure to match your pool with the architectural style and your property decor. You should also think how your pool builder can access your yard and how this impacts pool positioning.
Once you have answers to these questions or thoughts, identify your need. Why are you buying a pool? Is it for relaxation and fun or to boost your health and immunity?
Decide Between A Lap Pool And A Plunge Pool
A lap pool is ideal if you are more concerned about achieving fitness levels. It offers a long stretch of unobstructed water to practice swimming. You and your family can exercise in complete privacy at your convenient time and improve your health to a great extent.
A plunge pool is perfect if you want to relax and rejuvenate. It is deeper than the other pools and more compact, and the best choice if you have a small backyard. Immerse yourself in this pool every evening after work and feel the soothing water on your body. You can also do gentle water exercises. Further, you can customize this pool with jets for an enhanced pool experience. A plunge pool can sit in minimum space and provide the gratification you craved for.
The choice is abundant. Determine your need, space availability and affordability before choosing a pool design. If you are in a dilemma and unable to make a decision, you can also contact your local pool company for advice. A reputed pool builder will visit your place, check your backyard and suggest the ideal pool design.
Next Steps
- Get to know the approval requirements by reaching out to your local council.
- Check the site map to make sure there are no pipes or cables running under your pool area.
- Understand the local safety regulations.
- Explore the different local pool builders and choose a company that you feel is reliable for your pool installation.
Courtyard pool designs
If your property comprises a small courtyard, you can plan to have your dream pool within that space. Opt for an in-ground or above-ground compact plunge pool where you can rejuvenate your body and mind. You can also consider getting rounded edges for your plunge pool. To create a more calming and relaxed atmosphere, place comfy seating around.
If your house is modern with contemporary architecture, a straight-edged rectangular pool will be a good choice. Surround this with neutral colored tiles and attractive decking to rightly set up the space. You can also grow some small potted green plants to create a lush ambiance. Hibiscus, roses, and palms are good options.
You should also consider your pool’s closeness to your neighbor’s property. If it is positioned very close to your neighbor’s house, elevate your deck to ensure pool privacy. Get creative and think of wise options to make your pool attractive while ensuring to keep it away from the view of your neighbors.
Budget contemporary pool ideas
If you are a cool personality with a liking for the contemporary lifestyle, consider getting a rectangular infinity pool. It appears luxurious and perfectly resonates with your personality.
A lap pool is one of the pool designs that never go out of fashion. Complement this pool with attractive water features and a glass surround to create a stunning look.
If you are looking for a more modern vibe, place a few sleek seats beside your pool. Add mood lighting to up the space appeal. You can find adjustable LED lights that can truly transform the look of your pool area. A fire pit is also a great inclusion.
Trendy design ideas (space-maximising on smaller blocks)
With urban sites getting smaller, pool styles are following suite with clever space-maximising pool designs being available. Infinity edges are also increasingly used in residential pools while mineral water pools are preferred by many as they are gentler as compared to chlorine or salt on your skin.
Plunge pools, thin and long lap pools and swim jets are the other trending types of pools. To stay in the contemporary design zone or to follow the trend, sticking to straight, clean lines will help, particularly for the infinity pool design. You can also highlight your backyard pool by dividing it into two sections that includes a spa section and a swimming pool section.
Compliment the clean design with neutral tiles, a cabana and built-in seating alongside the pool. Strategic lighting and accent colors for the seating can break the monotony of neutral colors.
Choosing the pool fencing that is best suited for your swimming pool can also impact the overall look and function of outdoor entertaining areas. Try out a simple glass fence to create clean sightlines between the pool and the interiors of the home.
Family pool ideas
A classic rectangular swimming pool is perfect for families. With shallow areas at the ends and a deep center, this pool design is going to be great for playing pool games.
Add some deck jets with backlighting to make pool time even exciting.
Create a lounge area where you can rest and monitor your kids while they are playing in the pool.
Are you a nature lover?
Create a pool area inspired by nature. Place different sized stones around your pool and plant grasses in between to bring in a naturalistic feel. Incorporate an infinity waterfall or a rocky waterfall to further enhance the beauty of the space.
Love the sounds of birds and insects? Plant stuff in your garden that attracts these creatures, Rice flower bushes, Acacia, and the red gum flowers are some of them to mention.
Embrace nature (budget-friendly landscaping ideas)
If you are a nature lover, there are many ways to incorporate greenery and nature elements in your backyard pool design.
You can really run wild with your ideas and convert your backyard into a Tuscan retreat by planting cypress trees, and using planters and terra cotta tiles. Earthen pots and rustic looking umbrella can complete the look.
The other way to embrace nature is to landscape the courtyard with gravel, rocks, succulents, grass and other flora to bring in an organic look.
If you are lucky enough to have a large tree cover or dense foliage, design your pool around it to create an enchanting vibe. Other ways to incorporate nature include adding a waterfall or creating a cascading effect in your pool. A dramatic effect can be created with coral stepping stones at the shallow end of your pool.
Plant specific trees and bushes that attract birds and bees in your garden to sit back and enjoy nature like never before. Cactii planters all around your pool can also create a stunning effect.
Go eco-friendly (and keep running costs down)
If your home has eco-friendly elements, follow the theme for your pool. Focus on the size to minimize energy and water use while installing LED lighting and energy efficient, five star rated pool pump or solar energy. Utilize eco-friendly materials for your pool that can include stone, brick, wood and fiberglass.
While concrete is used for pools, installation takes three to four months while bad weather can disrupt construction while concrete’s porous nature increases risk of mould and algae growth. Fiberglass is an increasingly popular and environmentally-friendly alternative for pools. The material is built to last and has low embodied energy which is the energy needed to make the product using raw materials and deliver the finished product.
Fibreglass pools can be pre-moulded into different shapes and are positioned inside the ground or set above with extra supports. The competitive cost and choice of pool types make this a popular choice for backyard swimming pools. With wide ranging bespoke colours to choose from, you can create the look of your dreams in your backyard.
Whether you want an infinity edge, swim jets or paddling pool, fiberglass is the right choice that can make your pool affordable and attractive.
Ready to turn your budget pool ideas into a real plan? The Fibreglass Pool Company can help you choose the right pool type for your space, recommend a size and layout that suits your lifestyle, and guide you through practical options to keep the build cost-effective (without sacrificing the look you want). Get in touch with our team or request a free quote and we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best budget-friendly pool type for a small backyard?
A plunge pool is often a budget-friendly option for small spaces because it’s compact and can still be customised with features like jets. Slim lap pools can also work well if fitness is your priority.
Are above-ground pools cheaper than in-ground pools?
Often, yes—especially on sloping or uneven blocks where excavation costs can rise. Above-ground options can also be more practical on tricky sites.
What are the biggest cost drivers for a backyard pool?
Site conditions (slope, soil, high water table), access for machinery, pool size/type, approvals, fencing requirements, and landscaping/decking scope are usually the biggest cost drivers.
How can I make a budget pool area look more high-end?
Focus on low-cost, high-impact upgrades like mood lighting, a simple seating/lounge zone, greenery in pots/planters, neutral tiling, and clean fencing (like glass for clear sightlines).
What are some trendy budget pool ideas for narrow blocks?
Thin lap pools, compact plunge pools, straight clean lines, simple water features, and a split “spa + swim” zone look modern and maximise space on smaller blocks.
Why do many homeowners choose fibreglass pools for budget builds?
Fibreglass pools come in pre-moulded shapes, can be installed in-ground or above with supports, and offer a competitive cost range with many colour options—making them a popular choice for affordable, attractive backyard pools.